Hessel 2021 – An Entire Summer In One Story

Probably around 10PM

A huge thanks to Alex Watson and Mark Schallip for sharing some wonderful Hessel Images. Marks came in last night from the Hessel Show this past weekend, and the other more romantic photos are from Alex Watson via text message since July. Now, Hessel is a very very special place in WoodyBoaterville. Official summer, as in no freeze type thong is about 2 weeks.

Symmetry

But it is home to some of the worlds most amazing Woodys, and they are used. Alot. They are part of the way of life there. And if you ever get a chance to visit, make sure you see it by water. Cause the boathouses are magical, real, and a continuum of our lifestyle here.

AHHHHHHHHHHH- Inner peace

Sunset

Reflections of time well spent

This is life!

Peace and Classic Boat Love!

New and old

My favorite boat of all time.

25 Sportsman with a rare Scripps, and Green interior.. AHHHHHHHHHHHH  Big League boat for sure. 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this color. It makes the boat pop that much more.

And now some snaps of the show from Mark.

Large crowd made it hard to photograph the boats.

WOW, Marine Services Did an amazing job. Love the lady of the lake reflection.

Cool

Lil Woodys

Legs, water and wood

You may now get back to work!

26 replies
  1. Greg Lewandowski
    Greg Lewandowski says:

    A few of the Michigan Gang had a great time cruising the islands and doing the show last week. I got to say Hi to Alex when he was launching Majestic in Hessel. A lot of beautiful boats and great people to hang out with for sure!

  2. tparsons56
    tparsons56 says:

    I was there and it was one of the best shows I have even been in. The weather was perfect and the quality and variety of boats was outstanding.

    Once again a huge shout out to all of the volunteers, especially the launch and retrieve crew, who were outstanding.

    To those who have never been to Hessel it is a very small town [population of around 2200 in the entire township] up in the UP of Michigan in the Les Cheneaux Island group. Even with being a great distance from any populated area they will get thousand and thousands of people to drive a great distance just to come to this show.

    • tparsons56
      tparsons56 says:

      I just read where the attendance was just under 7000! A lot of people came a long way and they got their moneys worth.

  3. Mike D
    Mike D says:

    Love, Love, Love. I grew up with my older sisters telling me that you can not love inanimate objects, only humans. I need to ask them if woody boats qualify as animate objects.

  4. Chug-A-Lug
    Chug-A-Lug says:

    Wonder if anyone(other than me) have forgotten to turn lights off at night and come down in morning to boats covered with bugs?

  5. Mike (from "southern" Michgian)
    Mike (from "southern" Michgian) says:

    The show is a way of life for the residents and it shows. Over 170 registered boats of outstanding quality, including local schooners. The volunteers were great and kept the event humming. Unfortunately, the show has now given me unrealistically high expectations for future shows …..

    The photo (by Carl Terhaar) is a small indication of the help that volunteers provided.

  6. Chad
    Chad says:

    Great weather, gorgeous boats and the best boating waters around. Thanks to the Water Wonderland Chapter and the people of Hessel that make it so special.

  7. Mark in Ohio (sometimes da U P)
    Mark in Ohio (sometimes da U P) says:

    It was a really great show! 7000 people, unbelieable. It was fun to be a part of it.Thanks for posting my pictures Matt. Those were some cool shots Alex, thanks for sharing. Another boat in the show was Odyssea, a Chris Craft Sea Skiff that is locally owned. I am told that the owners bought it from Chris Smith (the son) Chris used to leave in it every year when he used to attend the show. I got a chance to talk to him a couple of times. Neat Guy.

  8. Dave M Wrzesinski
    Dave M Wrzesinski says:

    Great show. The launch and docking crew were out standing. We had a little engine problem and they took care of us like there was nothing wrong. The owner of the Barrel Back we completed was there and had a great time. Thanks again.

  9. MikeM
    MikeM says:

    I’m a lucky guy….I grew up in Western New York and have been to shows in Buffalo, Muskoka, 1000 Islands etc. Moved out west and have been to Couer d”Alene (took me 3 years to get the spelling right!!), Sandpoint, Whitefish, Tahoe and a number of International shows all over.

    Hessel is by far a life changing event. Not only are there 100+ incredible boats in the marina but if you’re lucky enough to commandeer a boat and pilot through the islands you will see many more old originals in boathouses. They are everywhere and it’s amazing. Tough to get there but sooooo worth it!

    And if you do commandeer a boat, please note that the marina is CLOSED during the show. Should you drive in to look at the boats people will yell at you. Lots of people. But if you choose to break the rules I highly recommend using one of Alex’s boats…..they all run and look great!!

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